The original dog blog!

It seems like not too long ago, that the words "dog" and "psychology" were not often placed in the same sentence. And if they were in the same sentence together, people laughed and believed it to be a joke. People still laugh when they hear those two words together today, however with people like Cesar Millan on television, those two words are becoming more widely accepted in the same sentence and even as a job title.

Dog psychology is the study of the dog’s mind. A dog psychologist is a person who uses what they are learning about the dog’s mind too help solve behavior problems that various clients might be experiencing with their dogs. Reasons one might want a dog psychologist rather than a dog trainer are behaviors such as: Extreme aggression (Red Zone), extreme fearfulness or timidness, and obsessive behaviors that interfere with everyday routines and life. A dog psychologist can observe a dog in action and tell by different cues the dog is giving off as to what might be causing the behavior problems. Sometimes certain behaviors stem from mental conditions, while others could be caused by bordem or even stress and cabin fever.

People sometimes tend to think that studying the mind of a dog is pointless. "How is it useful?" is one of the many questions I’m often asked. Actually, it is quite useful. Understanding canine psychology helps us understand how to better train our four legged friends as well as how to deal with their psychological problems and/or disorders. Which inturn helps us to live with them peacefully. Dogs are so much like us, and we’ve learned that through canine psychology. It has taught us how to better relate with our canine counter parts. We understand how their pack structures work and we can apply that to everyday life with our dogs.

Canine psychology is more than just a job or title to me, it’s also a way of life. With out dogs, mankind would be at a loss. Dogs play such a huge role in our lives and it’s absolutely satisfying to know that I know how, and can teach others how, to identify with them.

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thecanineguru

I am a canine behaviorist of 27 years and offer canine rehabilitation, training, and behavior change to clients under the given name "The Canine Guru."
I am known mostly for my online presence through my blogs, Doggy Times and Doggy Times II. Both were honored by MSN Editors multiple times.
My methodology focuses on energy and how to use and read it. I firmly believe in operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. I don't feel that choke, pinch, or electric collars are necessary when working with dogs. The harshest method I ever use is the squirt bottle and the occasional touch, or poke.
I'm known for "speaking" to dogs in their own language using body language, energy, touch, and the occasional sound.

16 thoughts on “Canine Psychology 101”

Okay may seem like a silly question–but is it ever too late to correct–for lack of a better word a dog?? My Boston Terrier is incredibly stubborn and willful–I know its my fault (and my husband’s) so i wonder if it is correctable? Unfortunately since he and his brother are rescue dogs i have the tendency to try and over compensate for their sad puppyhood. Suggestions?

This is common with rescued dogs. They are either overly shy, or overly dominant…. not to say they ALL are like this, but it is common. First off, read up on the breed. These dogs are naturally stubborn and willful… with out training. Get your dog into an obedience class and you will learn how to lead your dog and how to teach him some manners. 100% of getting a dog to obey you has to do with leadership, the rest is teaching the dog what the various commands mean. Once he understands the commands, and he sees you as the leader, he will obey them. Being the leader is hard work, because you must maintain your leadership 24/7. This means not always giving into that cute boston look! (I know it’s incredibly hard).

You also need to let go of the past and live in the moment. That is exactly what your dog is doing. Dogs do not live or even think about the past or the future, they live for "now." They do not plan for the future, they simply react to the present. They do learn from the past and apply it to the future, but they don’t get worried like we do about past events. The problem is that we do. If we witness our dogs go through some kind of tramatic event we as humans tend to love on them right after it happens. Which actually reinforces their insecurity. Later on, could be years or days after the event, we as humans anticipate that event happening again so we tense up and try to avoid or correct the problem before it occurs, which then triggers the dogs insecurity before anything really happens. So forget that he came from the shelter, and enjoy his company. But be lovingly firm with rules. If he persistently trys to disobey, then keep correcting until he learns that you will not give in. Even if it takes you hours. The first time you try this, it may take a long time to "win the fight" but you’ll notice the next time, and the the time after that and so on that it won’t take nearly as long to get your dog under control. Until eventually, the bad behavior extiguishes. Why? Because you taught your dog that no matter what he does, or how many times you have to correct him that he will not get away with it.

Thanks for the compliment! It doesn’t matter where you find your trainer, it’s how skilled your trainer is. How long has the trainer been training, and why is the trainer training. The best trainers love thier jobs, they would do it for free if they didn’t need the money. It doesn’t matter how long they’ve trained for that specific company either, but how long they’ve trained in general. In example: I have been a trainer for many places, however, I’ve trained dogs in general since I was 10 years old. You’ll need to meet with the trainer before you sign up for a class and ask them these questions. Most will even let you observe the class. If you see anything you don’t like, then don’t sign up for that class. Try and find a trainer whom uses positive methods rather than harsh corrections. In fact, this would be a good topic for my next blog entery…

Clipping Doggie toenails. What is the best way to get the beasts to settle down? They bark at me when the other is getting his pedicure–I can only guess it is either jealousy or are "protecting" the other.

The key to grooming is, to just do it. Don’t make eye contact and don’t give in. Ignore the barking dog, because giving any attention only fuels the fire. Ingnore it and the behavior will extinguish with time. When clipping nails, if you don’t give in you’ll find the dog will tire and will give in….eventually!

I thought of another Blog entry —how about information on Agility Training?? I have a mixed terrier who is FULL of
energy—he is almost three years old—is it ever too late to teach them new tricks?!??! I think that my BT will do the course backwards just to be willfull–LOL!

My 1-yr-old Chorkie sometimes uses her pad to relieve herself, and receives praise and a treat. She is very proud of herself. Other times she “goes” beside of the pad, at which time she is scolded and placed on her pad. Do you have a solution for our problem?

Pennie, I’m not a big fan of using potty pads. They basically teach dogs to pee inside on the floor. They often miss the pad when they go, which leaves a scent. They are attracted to this scent the next time it is time to relieve themselves. If your dog must potty inside, I suggest trying a litter box. They do make them for dogs now-a-days, and your dog will need to climb into it to relieve herself. This helps to prevent accidents, although it is not fool proof.

You shouldn’t scold your dog for pottying beside the pad. If you catch her in the act of missing the pad, simply pick her up and place her where you’d like her to potty. If you find the accident a while after it’s happened, the best thing to do is simply clean it up. Dogs potty and forget. She doesn’t know why she is being scolded. However, she may display a submissive body posture once you find the accident because of the energy you emit. People tend to get frustrated, mad, angry, disappointed, etc when they find an accident and dogs simply react to that vibe, not because they know why they’re being scolded. Also keep in mind that Yorkies are notorious for being hard to potty train. Since she is part Yorkie, it’s important to stay patient and calm with her throughout the process.

My dog is a well-behaved, non-aggressive rat terrier. She does not growl, bark or even jump on people in greeting. All around she is suggestive of a submissive dog, she will not even eat until we humans, or dogs she places over herself on the pecking order have. The only thing out of order with her is that she is constantly making eye contact with humans. I had heard that this was a challenge, but her manner is otherwise completely docile. Is there another reason for this? Please get back with me with your insight. Thank you

Hello Shonda, thanks for your comment! Actually, dogs that make eye contact are not always challenging us. Eye contact should be avoided when meeting a new strange dog (to make sure the dog doesn’t perceive you as a threat) or (to keep this comment short) if the dog is giving you a bad vibe. Dogs are constantly studying us, just as we are studying them. They don’t understand the majority of what we say, but they do listen for key words and phrases that pertain to them.

Studies have shown that dogs watch our eyes all the time. They learn when our eyes are closed versus open, and even to track what we are looking at. Here is a neat and fun test you can do with your Rat Terrier. Get two cups, something to block the dog’s view of the cups (like a piece of cardboard), and some treats. Spread the two cups out parallel from each other. Show your dog the treat. While blocking the dog’s view of the cups place a treat under ONE of the cups. Then allow the dog to find the treat. See if she will look at the cup you are looking at. Did she find the treat with your help? Dogs are great at working with humans to solve problems and often catch on to this very quick. No other animals are as good at this as dogs, not even apes! Have fun, and I hope this answers your question! 🙂

I come from a family of animal lovers and we have always had a dog until they pass on, then get another or two, being brother & sister. My Dad was terminally ill for the past 2 years & passed away at home, in his bed the morning of 1/22/12. I moved back to Alaska & in with Mom & Dad 12/03/10 to help take care of Dad prior to his passing. They have two (brother & sister) Westhighland terriors that were always excited to see me when I came for visits. The dogs slept with Mom & Dad every night and pretty much stayed upstairs with Dad the last month of his life. Approximately 1 month prior to Dad’s passing, Angus, the boy started having these tremors, keeps pawing at you and wants to be picked up and held like a baby, then starts panting heavily while still having these shaking tremors. We had Dad cremated & he is on the hearth of the fireplace along with the American flag & a Bible, until the summer when we can bury him. I went back to work two weeks ago & now, Angus, the boy, is always by my side and stays with my every step, sometimes almost tripping me. He’ll be sleeping when I get up for work but the minute I go downstairs he jumps up runs downstairs and starts his shaking & following me until I have to leave, he’s right by my side. I pick him up, love him & hold him to calm him but that doesn’t help. Then, when I try to leave, he tries to follow me outside as well, again, almost tripping me. It’s as if something startles him & then the tremors start. His sister Heidi has no problems. Mom and I are at a loss as to what is happening to him or what to do about it. Do we need to take him to the vet & get him some doggie valium? He’s a very good dog & has been very loyal to Mom & Dad. I’m sure he’s experiencing some kind of canine grief as we are. This is the first passing of anyone in my immediate family so this grief is new to me as well. Mom and I are at a loss as to what to do. I appreciate any advise you can give us.
Thank you.

Hi Debra, I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. It definitely sounds like Angus is definitely experiencing some anxiety. Loving on him in the middle of an anxiety attack is not advised. I realize you are just trying to help, but you could actually be making the problem worse. Dogs see affection as a reward, so you could inadvertently be praising him for having an anxiety attack. I recommend you talk to your vet and a local behaviorist (not a trainer) to help with your situation. Unfortunately, with out being able to see and read Angus, I cannot help any further. I wish you the best of luck, and I’m sorry for your loss.

I have a young female mixed breed I adopted from a sshelter. Since she was 8 weeks old she is very timid and shy towards humans. Lately during walks if she sees another human or dog her hair will stand on end she will bark and growl until going up and actually meeting the person or animal. She is getting better. I have been taking her for walks in more populated areas and introducing her to as many animals and people as possible…Is there anything else I can do so she will calm down before meeting? I don’t want make her think it is okay to bark and growl at first then calm down.

Keep doing what you are. Socializing adult dogs is often more challenging than socializing puppies so hang in there and don’t give up! You may need to consult a behaviorist in your area if you don’t feel you’re getting anywhere. He or she will be able to read the dog and assess how bad the behavior really is. From there the two of you can come up with a plan of action.